Missionaries visiting throughout 2012 saw only a day or two between missionaries leaving and the next arriving.
The summer availability is from the last week of November continuing throughout the December and January school holiday period with one mid February two week booking and then available on into Autumn.
Opened in June 2011 after several months of refurbishing, 2011-12 missionaries and Christian workers have already enjoyed taking 'timeout' as a gift from the Lord, from SIM, CMS, WEC, SU, TEAR, BCS, UCA, YM, CM, BC and independent missions .
My wife Delma is a green thumb, and has found that many of the missionaries who have visited Laguna Quays Respite are keen gardeners and enjoy "potting" to relax – this is something many Australians appreciate.
The shade house is now up and running with pots, garden soil, horse manure, hay, and plenty of spaces around the fence line for plantings. Trevor Beard, a gentleman two doors up, is contracted to water the plants three times a fortnight.
Missionary Respite
Respite has a rich history from Jesus himself and to more modern Christian leaders such as the great London Victorian preacher C H Spurgeon. In his book "Lectures to my Students" C H Spurgeon spoke of how he would leave his pastorate in London to escape to "a resting place in France". (au.christiantoday.com)
We have been faith financed missionaries for 30 years. I established Basil Sellers Moruya (1992) and Basil Sellers Tweed (2006) respite facilities for Australian Institute of Sport elite athletes and their coaches and families and Cricket Family Respite in 2007. It wasn't until 2010 when my own health deteriorated I felt it was the Lord's touch to get a missionary respite facility up and running, as much for ourselves, as for others.
Mr Basil Sellers AM who has supported our mission activities over many years was once again pleased to assist the project. With my wide ministry network as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (ret 2000) and with Olympic ministry credentials since 1984 and AIS athlete respite, the PR process to missionaries fell into place with confidence and assurance.
Intimate Knowledge
We intimately understand missionary finance, I was determined there would be no fee, but if anyone wished to make a gifting they could. For those who fly into Proserpine, a respite facility's dual cab vehicle is available to them.
After being collecting from Proserpine airport, our driver takes the missionaries grocery shopping in Proserpine, then after reaching Laguna Quays, leaves the vehicle with them for their use. He collects them again to deliver them to the airport for their return journey.
Local respite coordinators Sean and Sue Spencer connect with the missionary or Christian worker visitors over a cuppa and meet any out-of-the ordinary needs, and Sean offers fishing and Sue craft classes.
The Laguna Quays respite cottage has three bedrooms with all the normal household items. We have been overwhelmed in the Lord to see the Laguna Quays Respite for missionaries so well received as a touch from the Lord.
Mission people wishing a visit please contact me (Mark Tronson) timeout@bushorchestra.com or 0487 245 207
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html